Simulation and Telehealth

Supporting Clinical Learning Experiences to Mitigate Impediments due to COVID-19

Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board, Nursing Innovation Grant Program

December 2020 – November 2022

The nursing program at PVAMU College of Nursing was born out of the need for nurses to attend to the African American population during the 1918 influenza pandemic. One hundred years later, the Corona virus (COVID-19) pandemic has exacerbated the need for skilled nurses, while at the same time creating a challenge for nursing education. Nursing education relies heavily on hands-on training with real live patients in health care settings, which has been restricted due to COVID-19. COVID-19 not only made in-person training difficult, but many valuable simulation activities that provide hands-on practice for students became challenging as well. The purpose of this project is to provide uninterrupted training to students enrolled in the initial RN licensure program during the COVID-19 pandemic through use of telehealth for simulation activities. Select simulation scenarios, which target competences in communication, critical thinking, clinical reasoning, and decision-making, are practiced through telehealth platforms such as Zoom, Face-time and teleconference. Use of these technologies makes it possible to provide virtual training during times when social contract is limited due to peaking COVID-19 infection rates. A unique aspect of this project is that it utilizes students enrolled in the nursing graduate programs and practicing family nurse practitioners in the Doctorate of Nursing Practice (DNP) program in virtual simulations, mimicking real-world practice experiences for the undergraduate students. The project, led by Dr. Isaac Smith, Director of the Simulation Laboratory, is a collaboration among simulation lab staff, Dr. Ejim Sule and Ms. LaQuisa Winters; semester coordinators, Drs. Antoneá Jackson, Lakeshur Green, Keshea Britton, Shelia Harvin, and Ms. Margie Landson; and the DNP program coordinator, Dr. Sharisse Hebert.

At the end of year 1 of the project, 74 telehealth simulation activities had been conducted, with 315 students participating. Increase in the targeted clinical competences of communication with providers, patients and caregivers, critical thinking, clinical reasoning, and decision-making skills are project outcomes. Measured at one year, competences in these areas were improved or maintained.

During the ongoing pandemic, telehealth simulation activities have provided the nursing students a means to practice important skills remotely. The simulation activities covered a broad array of possible clinical experiences from inpatient to outpatient, obstetrical to pediatrics, community health to mental health. PVAMU CON faculty members were elated to provide their students with an opportunity to practice communicating with a healthcare provider via a telehealth platform in a safe, controlled environment.